How 'Killing Two Birds With One Stone' Kills Us and Our Work

Since I was a child, I’ve frequently heard the phrase “to kill two birds with one stone” to describe successfully achieving two objectives simultaneously. The implication is simple: by doing more, you can achieve more.

This phrase dates back to the 1600s and references using a slingshot to bird hunt. Killing two birds with the same stone was virtually impossible, and the phrase was commonly used as a criticism for taking on too much, greatly increasing the likelihood of failure. As time wore on, the phrase lost its original intent and became a way to encourage efficiency. The butt of the joke became the savior. Distraction became healthy. Efficiency won the battle with creativity and thoughtfulness.

We check email at dinner. We get push notifications at all times during the day and night. We’re always “multitasking.” Between phone calls, email, texts, Skype, Twitter, GoogleGoogle+, LinkedIn, FacebookFacebook, and calendar notifications, the interruptions are unrelenting. This is compounded by a seemingly never-ending stream of “quick” meetings, calls, and chats. Why? To kill more birds.

“Efficiency” theory has become infused into almost everything. Entrepreneurs have “multiple companies” and “a few side projects” because they certainly don’t want to miss out. We feel compelled to do more for fear that our colleagues might think we don’t do “enough.” We’re always looking to add another button, another feature, or another service line. Why? To kill more birds.

The result is a fast, inch-deep life of stress, disorganization, half-assed attempts, stunted thinking, and unrewarding relationships. I know because I’ve been there and experienced both personal and professional failure due to it. I spent my first years in business hopping between meetings, relationships, and projects. I continuously started companies, bouncing between half-formed thoughts and ill-advised decisions. I couldn’t figure out why I never seemed to get anywhere or why everyone around me was frustrated, but at least I felt and looked busy.

This led me to a few conclusions, which have served me well.

1. Attention is finite and easily diluted.

2. Self-reflection is critical. Give yourself the room to sit still and think deeply.

3. Doing less always produces better results.

4. Strive for simplicity in all things. Complexity creates confusion, distraction, and distortion.

5. Be in the moment and enjoy it. This isn’t the dress rehearsal.

To conclude, here are a few tips to help you “undistract.” Turn off push notifications. Check email as infrequently as you can. Don’t keep your phone in the room where you sleep. When invited to a meeting, simply ask “why.” Spend time each day being still and reflective. When in conversation, pay attention or disengage. Pick one thing that gets your focus. Go “digital free” for a day. Only add features and service lines out of necessity. Add more responsibility to your life cautiously.

Brent Beshoreis the founder and CEO of adventur.es (#28 on 2011 Inc. 500), which identifies problems to tackle and looks for those who share their passion to create change. He is also a venture partner at Gen Y Capital, a regular contributor to Forbes, Huffington Post, and Washington Post, and a runner-up in the 2011 VH1 Do Something Awards (lost to Lady Gaga) for his work in helping his hometown of Joplin, MO recover from the devastating tornado.”Connect with Brent on Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+

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Thank you, Brent – for saying so well what we talk about here in our business every day! Busy-ness seems to be the new goal and outcome suffers because of it. How can you keep it simple and keep focused when there are so many distractions? You have it right: turn them off and take back control.